Hong Kong must ensure a quality AI education is available to all
artificial intelligence (AI) era.
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This is an opportunity for Hong Kong to reaffirm its commitment to setting a global example of responsible AI integration in education.
Having spent over a decade navigating the complex terrain of global education policy, I have seen how technological waves reshape classrooms and societies alike. AI is no longer a distant promise but an immediate force transforming how we teach and learn. This transformation demands a
paradigm shift in pedagogy , where critical thinking, ethical reasoning and creativity become central to the curriculum, preparing students not just to use AI, but to question and shape it.
AI's transformative potential is undeniable. Its ability to personalise learning, provide real-time feedback and free teachers from routine tasks can revolutionise education. Yet AI's benefits are not guaranteed – they depend on the deliberate choices societies make. Without thoughtful policies, AI risks deepening inequalities and concentrating advantages among a privileged few.
This risk is especially acute in a city like Hong Kong, where wealth disparity is severe. Oxfam Hong Kong
revealed a poverty rate of 20.2 per cent in the first quarter of last year, with over 1.39 million people living in poverty. Meanwhile, the poorest 10 per cent of households earn 81.9 times less than the richest 10 per cent – a stark increase from 34.3 times in 2019.
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Such divides translate directly into unequal access to digital tools and AI-enabled learning opportunities, which threatens to widen the education gap. To prevent AI from becoming another driver of social exclusion, Hong Kong must adopt inclusive policies that ensure equitable access to a quality AI education.
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